In celebration of its 10th anniversary in 2025, Bad Wolf is launching the Blaidd Writers Programme, a new annually rolling six-month paid development and training initiative to find and nurture the next generation of Welsh based drama writers, in association with Screen Alliance Wales.
The scheme will see three writers develop with Bad Wolf an original, contemporary Welsh set returning drama. They will be mentored by screenwriters Jack Thorne (His Dark Materials, National Treasure), Russell T Davies (Doctor Who, It’s A Sin) and Marnie Dickens (Gold Digger, Wilderness); and will take part in masterclasses with industry professionals, including the co-creators of HBO and BBC’s hit drama Industry, Mickey Down and Konrad Kay, and BAFTA award-winning screenwriter and In My Skin creator Kayleigh Llewellyn.
Writers will start their placements in January 2025 at the SAW classroom at Bad Wolf’s Cardiff HQ, Wolf Studios Wales, where they will begin work with Bad Wolf on the development of an idea from pitch to broadcast ready script. They will be allocated individual script editors and producers to help support through the development process and will also receive regular guidance and feedback from Bad Wolf CEO Jane Tranter, and Director of Content Dan McCulloch. They will have the opportunity to shadow any ongoing productions at the studios and will be able to gain insight into the wider development and production process intended to equip them with the skills and experience required to help them advance to the next stage of their career. The course will end with a networking graduation drinks reception in London in July and advice as to how to take forwards the scripts they have worked on during the scheme.
Each writer will be paid a bursary of £18,000 to develop their script and a treatment, with travel, accommodation and other expenses covered by Bad Wolf.
Jane Tranter, CEO of Bad Wolf said: “Wales has been the beating heart of Bad Wolf for the past decade. It is pivotal to our future, and the future of the Welsh TV industry, that we continue to nurture future generations of screenwriters. With the guidance of our industry mentors, as well as Bad Wolf executive producers and script editors, our Blaidd Writers will not only develop their scripts, but get a wider overview of the TV industry and production process. Together with the support of Screen Alliance Wales, as well as that of Jack, Marnie and Russell I am hugely excited about discovering the next generation of Welsh voices.”
Russell T Davies said: “I’m delighted to help mentor the next generation of writing talent in Wales, alongside Bad Wolf.”
Jack Thorne said: “I’m half Welsh and at least part writer, and I love this scheme because it involves supporting writers – with money – as they grow. The industry is in a funny place right now, but we do need to back young talent otherwise we’ll starve ourselves of the future. My interest is in developing disabled voices because that’s a sector I still think under-represented, so that’s who I’ll work with on this. As someone who’s basically lived with the producers and wonderful script editors at Bad Wolf I know they’ll get the best out of them and I’ll try to help too.”
Marnie Dickens said: “I’m chuffed to be part of such a well-thought-out and properly funded scheme to amplify the voices of Welsh writers.”
Applications for the scheme open at 9am on Monday 16th September and close at 5pm on Friday 4th October.
READ THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS BEFORE APPLYING HERE
APPLICATIONS CAN BE MADE HERE
To apply via Screen Alliance Wales’ website, candidates will need to submit a 10-page extract from an original pilot script, a supporting 2-page pitch document and a 500-word statement on why they would benefit from the scheme. If you have any queries in the meantime, email Blaidd.
If shortlisted, writers will be required to submit the full pilot script for consideration. Only writers based in Wales who have a maximum of one broadcast credit as a television writer or feature film writer may apply.
Bad Wolf is committed to diversity and actively encourages writers from underrepresented backgrounds to apply to the scheme.
Bad Wolf Ltd and the Blaidd Writers Programme is supported by Welsh Government via Creative Wales.
About Bad Wolf
Since launching in 2015, Bad Wolf has produced an ambitious slate of award-winning high-end dramas including 3 seasons of Industry and 3 seasons of His Dark Materials for HBO/BBC; 3 seasons of A Discovery of Witches for Sky / AMC; 2 seasons of I Hate Suzie for Sky /HBO Max and ITV’s hit thriller Red Eye. In 2023 and 2024 Bad Wolf produced the 60th Anniversary and Christmas specials of Doctor Who and a new season with 15th Doctor Ncuti Gatwa with BBC Studios for the BBC and Disney Branded Television. Other projects so far for 2025 include BBC drama Dope Girls and Doctor Who spin-off The War Between the Land and the Sea and a second series of Red Eye for ITV1/ITVX. Sony International Television acquired a majority stake in the company in 2021.
About Screen Alliance Wales
Screen Alliance Wales is the gateway between the industry and its workforce. It grows and promotes talent, crew and services of the film and TV industry in Wales. SAW is unique and will become the industry standard in promoting the complete supply chain from one single place. Screen Alliance Wales is a not-for-profit organisation that recognises the global potential of the film and TV industry in Wales and has engaged with 60,000+ individuals since its inception.
